QB Davis named Federal League Player of Year

November 16, 2010

This football season did not end the way Fitch starting quarterback Demitrious Davis wanted it to.

With his team getting shutout by top-seeded Solon in the second round of the Division I playoffs last weekend, Davis was stuck helplessly on the sidelines watching his high-flying offense being reduced to nothing. The reason Davis was unable to help was because a knee injury suffered a week earlier kept him inactive for the game.

“It was really emotional not being able to help my team,” said Davis a couple days after the season-ending loss.

Although Fitch finished the year a few wins shy of a state championship, it had one of its best seasons in recent memory. The team won 10 games, captured the Federal League championship in its final year in the conference and won a playoff game. The Falcons also set all kinds of school records for offensive output as they scored over 24 points per game in every game save the one against Solon. The epicenter of that offensive earthquake was behind center where Davis accounted for 28 total touchdowns and nearly 2,100 yards of total offense. Due to those gaudy numbers, Davis was anointed Federal League Player of the Year.

“It is a big accomplishment for me,” Davis said humbly. “I’m on top of one of the best conferences in the state.”

Fitch’s junior quarterback is on top because he rushed for 1,090 yards and scored 19 of his 28 touchdowns via the ground. He also made history by throwing for more than 1,000 yards as well while completing 62 percent of his passes and nine touchdowns. Only two of Davis’ passes all season were intercepted. While Davis dazzled his Federal League opponents with his arm and legs he did more than that for his team, according to his coach.

“He was a catalyst for our offense and a great leader,” said Fitch head coach Phil Annarella. “He is a tremendous kid with a tremendous work ethic.”

A lot of that work ethic comes from Davis’ dad Chris who was a former Fitch standout. Chris has mentored and motivated both Demitrious and his twin brother, Fitch wideout Chris, and has gotten them both prepared for not only stellar senior seasons, but also potential big-time college football scholarships. At last check, UCLA was possibly ready to offer Demitrious and his twin a full ride.

“I was on the phone with (UCLA) coach (Rick) Neuheisel for a while,” said Demitrious’ dad. “He is recruiting both Demitrious and Chris. He said he wants them to be like the Rodgers brothers (James and Jacquizz) from Oregon State.”

Wherever Demitrious lands, it will be a testament to his courage to overcome some naysayers.

“I’m not trying to sound cocky, but I feel that people didn’t believe (in Demitrious) before the season because of his height,” said the elder Davis about his five-foot, nine-inch son. “He really showed what he can do.”

Joining Davis on the first team of the All-Federal League were a few of his teammates. Cam Patterson, Lucas Haupt, Shane Stevens, Will Mahone, Bruce Reed and Steve Zaborsky were also members of that first squad. Chris Davis was awarded second team status as were Antoine Cox, Chris Penson and Ken Kilpatrick. Coach Annarella was named the Federal League Coach of the Year. Ever the team leader, Davis is just as proud of his teammates and head coach’s accomplishments as everyone else is of his.

“Seeing all of us together (on the Federal League teams) is great,” Davis announced. “We all accomplished so much.”

Before Demitrious dashes into his senior season, he will have to rehab that bum knee. Davis has a ton of things both physically and mentally topping his to-do list before summer practice begins.

“I need to do a lot of lifting and speed training,” he admitted. “I will also have to go to passing camp like I always do to improve my mechanics. I will also watch a lot of film every day with coach.”

You can be sure that Davis’ upcoming opponents will be watching oodles of film of him too that is why he is working so hard to become even better.

“There will be a target on my back for sure,” he said.

The Falcons will not have a conference affiliation in 2011 so winning this player of the year award will not be repeated by Davis. Although Fitch will be an independent, that won’t stop Demitrious from rallying his fellow Falcons toward a larger goal.

“We can’t win a league championship,” Demitrious said, “so we should go out and win a state championship.”

It’s only a few days since the end of Fitch’s season, but it is never too early for the No. 1 player of this year’s Federal League to start leading his team.

Article Photos

Photo by Mike Capps, Town Crier correspondentAt the helm, junior quarterback Demitrious Davis is about to pitch the ball to running back Will Mahone against Poland Sept. 3 as the Falcons started their near perfect season.